Seriously...brains.

Trendy Techniques w/Gossamer Blue...join me at a CKC in 2015!!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 20:00:00 +0000

Excited to have been included for another year of travel + shared moments with the Creating Keepsakes Convention crew for 2015...there really isn't anything quite like meeting people who 'get' your hobby, and I'm a lucky gal. Returning to a few favorite locations, and also teaching at a few 'new to me' spots...SEVEN events lined up!!

Please make sure to check the CKC website for class/date/location info :)

Sharing sneaks of both double page layouts we will make during the 'Trendy Techniques with Gossamer Blue' class, that begins in Portland and will be taught at every single venue this coming year. The plan for this class is to simplify the double page process a bit while demystifying spray mists/inks...so much fun and lots of great ideas to be shared.

We will be using the On My Desk collection from Gossamer Blue...a line that is perfect for documenting just about ANYTHING you have in mind.

The class kits are chock full of papers + embellishments (die cuts, stickers, wood veneer, sequins)...we won't even come close to using all of it, so you will have lots to take home and use for other projects.

My friends at CK Events wanted to offer this GREAT coupon for early bird registration:

I would love for you to join me at a CKC in 2015...plan now to attend!!
:)

Elements of Our Everyday...a new class at Gossamer Blue.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 16:48:00 +0000

Enrolling NOW...my brand new class at Gossamer Blue!!

I can't quite fit into words how stoked I am to be doing this class. After traveling for quite some time now, 'preaching the pocket page gospel' (haha!), I have come to realize that there are LOTS of folks out there who would love to try this approach. Problem is, there are a few myths that go along with the buzz...and I intend to dispel them.

My favorite venue for that is standing right in front of you...at an event with other people who feel the same way. There is something about being up-close-and-personal that both makes me happy and seems to get the point across, lol. Seeing as how not everyone is able to attend a live event, I approached Lori at Gossamer Blue about sharing my process + ideas with people via an online class.

That is how Elements of Our Everyday came about.
Breaking that down...

Elements: bits. pieces. tidbits. facts. memories. thoughts. ideas. goals. laughter. tears. (and everything else in between)

Everyday: the routine. schedules. plans. work. school. home. life. (and everything in between)

Everything is fair game.
Nothing is too trivial to jot down.
So stop telling yourself that 'I don't do enough interesting things to constantly be filling pockets with'.
Because friend, that is the kind of thinking that will have you throwing in the towel before you even start.
;)

As a reminder, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST...the above items are FREE when you register!! Yes, that lovely 4x6 stamp set designed by One Little Bird is all yours...so don't miss out!

Joining me in sharing their hearts/projects/family life/insight/ideas are these 7 amazing gals...so happy that they are on this journey with me. They represent every style/approach you can think of, and they are going to knock your socks off. :)

Peppermint (the awesome owner of One Little Bird Designs) also whipped up these items that we will all be using in class...also available on the Gossamer Blue Class page. The concept of using what you love/already have/may or may not be hoarding is one we will hit on as well during class...so these items you see will be incorporated with MANY different products, to allow for TONS of different bits of inspiration. Make sure you check these out!!

Questions?
I'm all ears.
I really would love for you to join us...because your everyday is just as important as those 'events' you tend to focus on.

Actually?
Your everyday is more important.
At least in my book.
;)

Who doesn't love an awesome (free?!) stamp set?

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 16:05:00 +0000

And gold vellum die cut shapes.
And a cool 3x4 wood veneer card.
But honestly...THIS STAMP SET!!

I've been working with Lori (owner extraordinaire of Gossamer Blue) + Peppermint (you know and love her as the creative genius behind One Little Bird) for a few months now...and I am sneaking a pic of just a few of our labors today. I am STOKED to be teaching a pocket page class at Gossamer Blue, and can't wait to share all of the details!!

But that has to wait just a wee bit longer.
;)

I couldn't resist sneaking this photo of what each person who enrolls will receive...FREE!! This 4x6 stamp set is AWESOME, and filled with images + phrases that you can use over and over again. Working back and forth with Peppermint on this set was easy peasy...she is just kind of amazing at getting a feel for the fonts + phrases that I had in mind, and lining them up all neat-like in one set. Add the gold vellum shapes + wood veneer card in, and you can't go wrong :)

And like I said...everything you see in this photo is FREE for those who enroll!!
(while supplies last, of course...)

And there are more cool bits to come.
As well as 7 fun contributors who I think will cover just about every possible way to incorporate pocket pages into whatever kind of schedule/life/routine you have.

No more saying you don't have time.
No more confusion that trying this approach means you have to give up on 'traditional' scrapbooking.
No more stressing that you aren't 'caught up'.
(what even is that, lol?)
No. MAS.

Elements of Our Everyday.
It's gonna be awesome.
I promise.

SImple Stories Life Documented = mad love.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:00:00 +0000

When the box of Life Documented products found it's way to my doorstep, I tore into it immediately...and was BLOWN. AWAY. The colors, the phrases, the little details...all of them are just happy. I am not (yet) aboard the planner train, but wanted to share how these elements can all work together for a 'standard' pocket page!

Let's have a look...

I had been stumped for a bit on how to incorporate this particular page protector style into my album...until I discovered the planner inserts for this line!! They are PERFECT for documenting the events of a single day (as I did here), a week of vacation or even a specific holiday. Let's have a closer look:

I started with a blank insert from the Life Documented Basic Planner Inserts and added numbers from the new line to indicate/journal about our day trip. I added stickers here and there where I had room, just to jazz things up a bit. ;) Even if you aren't a 'journaler', this is a quick and easy way to get started.

I kept my pockets fairly simple...adding a sticker or die cut here and there. I printed out a screen shot of the map app from my phone to include as a fun way to keep track of where we went. The fonts + phrases in this line are so flexible that they can be used for just about any kind of event!

confession: I love bits & pieces.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 15:13:00 +0000

November already?! Before we know it, we will be hearing Christmas carols…which reminded me of ‘Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens’ ! So while thinking about what grabbed me from the November kits, aside from the stamp set in the Gossamer Blue Life Pages kit (uh…LOVE) these were ‘a few of my favorite things:

You’ve got it.
Not one piece of paper in that photo.
I loved (considered hoarding) every die cut, rub-on and tag in these kits…but instead, put them to use on a piece of white cardstock.

I ended up framing that white cardstock onto a piece of patterned paper from the Main Kit, but other than that I let the little bits & pieces shine all by themselves. The ‘you’ stamp is an all-time fave…by offsetting the stamping of the outline it looks like a totally different font. I randomly stamped a few of them and filled my journaling in around it.

The large ‘cool kid’ veneer was colored with a gold Sharpie marker and backed with one of the Life Pages cards. Then it just became a free-for-all of tags + die cuts + rub-ons. I almost let it get out of control before stopping myself. ;)

Some folks are afraid of journaling, but I find it so easy to grab a favorite photo and just start writing about the person in it. I used this pic of my daughter and just jotted down a few quick sentences about where she is at right now…super quick, and something that I do every few months to keep up with her ever changing teen ways, ha!

Gossamer Blue Inspiration Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 13:00:00 +0000

We know how tricky it can be to be just receiving your Gossamer Blue kit, while us DT folks are already giddy about the next month...so we thought it would be fun to share some inspiration using the kits that are just landing on your doorstep :)

You may have arrived from Michelle Wooderson's blog, which is always chock full of ideas!! As always, you can always refer back to the Gossamer Blue blog to double check that you haven't missed anyone on the Blog Hop today :)

Nobody is happier than me that rub-ons have made a resurgence into the paper crafting world, so I used them like crazy this month. Right on top of my photos. I'm crazy like that, lol. ;)

I also have a flair for being sassy...so I paired the 'be brave & wild' acetate piece from the Heidi Swapp ephemera pack with the 'be still' card in the Life Pages #3 add-on. Nothing a little circle with a line through it can't fix to get my point across. ;)

I was drawn to some of the bolder colors in the kits this month, so I focused on the black/red/mint/gold combo on this page. Love all of the contrast!

Next place to visit for LOTS of ideas + inspiration is Rebecca Luminarias!!
(I confess: I got sucked in and spent quite some time looking at all of her awesome projects!!)

Have a great weekend :)

Exciting News...COMING SOON!!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 16:34:00 +0000

Confession: I have neglected my blog.
:(

But I am changing that as of NOW!!
I have a few exciting announcements coming very soon...and I can't wait to share :)
To celebrate, I'm giving away the brand new Get Happy collection from Gossamer Blue...look how FUN this one is!!

To be entered, please do the following:

1. Visit my Facebook page...this one, where I post all of the info on upcoming classes/travel/projects, etc:
Nicole Harper Papercrafting

2. If you haven't already, click 'LIKE'.

3. Comment there by TAGGING A FRIEND...MAKE SURE THAT THEY 'LIKE' THE PAGE AS WELL, to be entered.

***BONUS ENTRY***
Please feel free to click the 'SHARE' button on the giveaway post that you will see on the Facebook page...I will choose a separate winner of some Gossamer Blue goods from those who do!!

Looking forward to sending this box of happiness to someone...this contest is for U.S. and Canada residents only please, and shipping & handling is on me ;)

some exciting {Simple Stories} news to share!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 17:06:00 +0000

So a pretty neat thing happened recently.

I was invited to join the Simple Stories team, and seeing as how their products consistently allow my pocket pages to just about fall together, I was happy to join in on the fun! Here are a few projects I made for my first post this month...

You can see the rest of my projects (there's more!) + a fun interview here:
Simple Stories blog

(and yes, I used the woodgrain + rainbow chevron pattern on EVERY project I made, lol...I love it that much.)

It's a good feeling when you sit down to make something and there is no hesitation.
Bits & pieces come together with an end result that you love...how often can you say that about products in your stash?
#luckyme
:)

Gossamer Blue May kits...my favorites yet!!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 05 May 2014 23:45:00 +0000

I can't explain what makes me love one kit more than another...it just happens that way, I suppose.
The May kits at Gossamer Blue rocked.my.world.
It could be because I'm hung up on aqua + melon + gold right now.

Or maybe it was the clear stickers I fell hard for from Simple Stories' DIY line...and used everywhere.

It could have been the fun Heidi Swapp plastic pieces that remind me of the products she made years ago...and I may or may not still hoard. ;)

It could have been the happy rainbow bits & pieces throughout.

Or the graphic feel of some of the journal cards...that I jazzed up with my Gold Sharpie.

Whatever the reason, I fell hard for this one.
And I won't apologize for it.
;)

NSD 2014 :)

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sat, 03 May 2014 18:18:00 +0000

Happy NSD everyone!! I hope you're taking the time to sit down and enjoy your favorite hobby today...I know I am :)
I wanted to share a layout I made using bits & pieces from the new Hello Sunshine line from Pink Paislee...it is full of great phrases + trendy accents, and I love every bit of it! When sifting through the 3x4 Journal cards that were designed for this line, two of them jumped right out at me and I knew exactly which photo I wanted to pair them with. Don't you love when that happens?! ;)

I scrapbook 80% of what my family is up to these days using pocket pages...so it should be no surprise that I am a sucker for a grid design, lol. I stuck with that and just offset the grid a bit by pairing 3x4 cards + photo with 3x3 squares. You aren't breaking any laws if you 'think outside the box/grid' and move things a bit, lol...I promise.

I love that vellum has made a comeback (especially colors like the teal squares and pink stars!)...and 99% of the time, just layer it onto white cardstock to allow the color to stand out. Gold seems to make it's way onto every page I make these days, and the glitter cardstock definitely fit the theme of this page. I layered it underneath 2 of the squares I cut from the die cut files available on the SCT site (for free...awesome!) so it wasn't too overwhelming. Then I added more gold with washi tape, stamps directly on my photo, spray ink and even a Sharpie marker...the sun die cut was a bit too yellow, so the Sharpie came in handy. ;)

This line comes with an awesome set of chipboard stickers, and I used a few here and there...love the word bubbles. The black & white chipboard alphabet is trendy as well, and I LOVE the graphic feel it adds.

Please make sure you check out the Scrapbook & Cards Today Blog HERE...giveaways every hour and tons of inspiration!!

I am also participating in a fun NSD celebration with Big Picture Scrapbooking...check out this cool idea: they are hoping for 10K scrapbook layouts to be uploaded today!! Info is here: #NSD10k

Enjoy today and make time for being creative!!
:)

SCT Spring 2014...Pocket Page Layouts :)

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:13:00 +0000

Happy Tuesday to you...I hope you're settling into Spring wherever you are! After such a looooooooong winter here, I don't care if it rains all day...as long as it isn't snow, lol.
Raise your hand if you're with me on that.
:)

I wanted to share my layouts that I created for my article in the Spring issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today magazine (available for FREE download HERE!), since they scream 'spring' to me :)

In each article, I will be focusing on a different manufacturer and for this first installment I was insistent on working with Albums Made Easy products from We R Memory Keepers. I am enjoying their new designs so much, as well as partnering with them here and there for the classes that I teach. They are a huge supporter, and just all around good people...such a pleasure to connect with them whenever I can.

Their new Farmers Market line has great phrases, trendy designs (watercolor + script?!) and lovely 3x4 and 4x6 journal cards. Don't assume that you are restricted to using this line for 'outdoor' or 'farm' projects lol...I couldn't be less of a farm girl if I tried, but LOVE this line!! ;)

I worked with Becky Fleck (SCT's awesome editor!) to come up with some fun FREE cut files for this article, so make sure you download those as well :)
Free Cut Files

Make sure you download the entire Spring issue for TONS of inspiration!!
Have a great week, and happy SPRING!

Starry eyed for the April Gossamer Blue kits.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:12:00 +0000

Sharing a layout I made with the April Gossamer Blue kits, thanks to a specific item I found within all of the fun new products. Often, I find that a specific item grabs my attention not necessarily because of color, but maybe it's shape. I am a sucker for stars, and while sifting through the contents of my kits, I zeroed in on all of the star elements...more specifically, the vellum and the cork.

(I confess, I may be hoarding the rest for future use)
;)

I decided to use white cardstock with the vellum, as I love how vellum looks against white. After cutting down my 12x12 cardstock to 8.5x11, I reached for my star punch and went to town.

After randomly scattering the stars I had punched around the layout, I added 2 layers of the vellum as a photo mat. The 'No 2' die cut was perfect to use as a title, and when you punch it out, you're left with a cool negative to use again. All I needed were a few red + blue + gold elements at opposing corners of my photo, and I was all set!

Almost.
;)

I decided to stitch the center of each star and lift the edges up a bit, just to add some dimension. Then I noticed the 2 tiny stars stamp from my Life Pages kit and stamped each star...again, it fit perfectly with the theme of this page.

My name is Nicole, and I am addicted to stars.
The first step is admitting you have a problem, lol.
:)

Inked Rose...a brand new line from We R Memory Keepers.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 22:47:00 +0000

I’ve been so eager to share a project using the brand new Inked Rose line!! I am immediately drawn to navy blue, so when you add the green + yellow into the mix I was on cloud nine. I’m sharing another pocket page today using the Albums Made Easy system…let’s have a look. :)

I am using the back side of the same page protector I shared last month, with (4) 4×6 pockets and (3) 4×4 pockets. As I mentioned in my last post, I rarely stick to the ‘intended’ layout of a pocket page…I love slipping 3×4 cards into a 4×6 pocket to switch things up! This time around, I wanted to stress that it is perfectly OK to allow one of the AME cards to shine all on it’s own. As I tell people over and over when teaching classes using this system, I love pretty paper!! And when I find a card that I love the design of, I sometimes just slip it right into the sleeve.

On the left of the above photo, you can see where I layered one of the metallic vellum cards underneath a die cut 4×4 Inked Rose card. I am head over heels for the vellum line, as it pairs easily with ANY other AME items you already have…just spruces them up a wee bit by adding some trendy metallic.

Again, that butterfly card? Straight out of the set…just a splash of gold spray ink and a bit of washi + some doodling. The polka dot card was perfect for my traditional ‘this week was’ card…I usually include this as a summary for anything I may not have focused on somewhere else on the page. All of these cards are pretty ‘plain’ other than a strip of washi and an enamel shape or two. Remember, not every pocket has to be a ‘masterpiece’ that you spend tons of time on!!
Make sure you check out the brand new Instagram Albums Made Easy sets…there are a ton of great 4×4 and 2×2 cards in each, including die cuts!!

***We R Memory Keepers is offering a giveaway for one of their brand new Instagram mini albums + a Corner Chomper + the Inked Rose Instagram set!!! You can enter HERE and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 7th. :)

Sharing a secret...so excited!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 17:35:00 +0000

I still am kind of pinching myself...the brand new Spring issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine was released on Friday while I was away teaching at an event for them in Moncton, New Brunswick. I always look forward to seeing all of the beautiful projects that are offered with the release of a new issue, but I was just a wee bit more excited than normal for this particular issue...for this reason:

I am 100% STOKED to share my approach to pocket-style documenting in my own article in each issue of SCT this year!!! Having completed my fifth event with them just this weekend, where I share my ideas/take on this style, while explaining that it doesn't mean you have to choose between 'traditional' layouts and pocket pages...there is absolutely nothing that feels better than when I have an attendee approach me afterward and I see that 'spark' that is encouraging them to dive right in.

I certainly don't profess to have reinvented the wheel, lol...but sometimes, hearing from someone how this style of journaling day to day events has refueled their love of this hobby is just the jump start you need to be off and running. In one respect or another, we are ALL busy. We have jobs/kids/families/homes/ourselves to take care of. No one of us is any 'busier' than the next. Whether you are working full time outside of the home or a stay at home mama...WE.ARE.ALL.BUSY. Setting aside time to keep yourself sane is huge, and for me this has afforded me that outlet.

The fact that I get to share those concepts with other people is the icing on the cake :)

I have partnered with WeRMemoryKeepers to share this love of pocket style scrapbooking...they are a wonderful company with what I consider to be the best products out there to use as a base for your albums. They have been ridiculously generous in their offerings, and I am thrilled to show off their great designs to as many folks as possible at these events, as well as on their blog. Their Albums Made Easy system just makes me happy, and the designs on their AME sets literally make me want to sit down and play...projects honestly fall together whenever I reach for those cards. I look forward to having the chance to represent them in the future :)

One last bit of news...I am flattered to stand alongside this team of creative ladies as part of the 2014 SCT Design Team. Each issue, they knock it out of the park with innovative ideas and design...PLEASE go check out the FREE DOWNLOAD of the new Spring issue HERE.

Just don't blame me if you get lost in the pages for a bit.
;)

Color Challenge: February, Gossamer Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 16:00:00 +0000

Carrying on my new idea of selecting one paper from the latest Gossamer Blue kit and using it as a starting off point...here is the paper I fell in love with this month:

Love the orange and yellow that Elle's Studio threw into their Love You More collection...it was the perfect addition. This specific piece of paper makes me smile...just like this photo of my mama on her 65th birthday. Instead of using the paper, I just grabbed elements on my desk from the February GB kits that coincided with the color scheme. Here is what I came up with...

I. love. GREY. I know that isn't very exciting, lol...but I love it. As a base, as an accent and on this project, as a title block. I made a rectangular box in my Silhouette Cameo software and then just added a line of text to the top of it and welded them together. I had set aside the acetate hearts from Crate Paper because I loved them so much...so much that I never got around to using them on my other projects this month ;) So I kind of scattered them on the cardstock and started adding bits & pieces around both them and my photo.

Love how it turned out, but love this fun photo of my sweet mama even more :)

I would love to see your projects if this color combo inspires you…please post them in the Gossamer Blue member gallery and then link it in the comments on this blog post.

Have a great weekend!!
xo

Gossamer Blue + Elle's Studio Blog Hop :)

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 16:00:00 +0000

Sharing one of my Life Pages layouts from the February Gossamer Blue gallery...love LOVE all of the Elle's Studio products that were included!! I have long been a fan of Elle's details, and am so very happy to have the chance to use them :)

The additions of yellow + teal to her new line was perfect...it added a fresh spring feel instead of the typical 'love'/valentine themes you see so often. I also am digging her journal cards with the tabs on them...they look fun hanging out of the top of a pocket. :)

***

Don't forget to stop by the Elle's Studio blog http://ellesstudio.blogspot.com/ and the Gossamer Blue blog! http://www.gossamerblue.com/blog/ Each company is giving away some great prizes on their blog. Leave a comment on their blogs telling us what inspired you along the hop to be entered!

Here is a list of blogs to visit for TONS of inspiration from this kit!!

Adrienne Alvis- http://adriennealvis.blogspot.com

Anabelle O'Malley- http://anabelleom.blogspot.com

Becki Adams http://beckiadams.blogspot.com/

Cindy Liebel- http://cindyliebel.blogspot.com

Emily Spahn- http://justem.typepad.com/scrapbookery/

Evgenia Petzer- http://evgeniapetzer.blogspot.com/

Heather Leopard- http://thespottedleopard.blogspot.com

Jenny Evans http://jennygevans.blogspot.com/

Jessica Lohof- http://talkaboutpriceless.blogspot.com
Jill Cornell- http://jillcornell.blogspot.com/

Jina Jean- http://atelierbjina.blogspot.com

Juliana Michaels http://www.17turtles.com/

Kasia Przybyt- http://antilight-craft.blogspot.com

Katie Ehmann-http://neverlandcrafts.blogspot.com/

Kim Moreno- http://www.livingthecircuslife.blogspot.com/

Magda Mizera- http://magdamizera.blogspot.com/

Michelle Wooderson- http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com

Michiko Kato- http://s-phototime.blogspot.com

Naomi Atkins- http://www.inspiredandenchantedphotographyblog.com

Nicole Harper (you are here)- http://seriouslybrains.blogspot.com

Patricia Roebuck http://roebuck-adventures.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Bryan- http://stephaniemakes.blogspot.it/

Valerie Bishop http://myhere-rightnow.blogspot.com/

WaiSam Ho http://happie-scrappie.blogspot.com/
Yuki Shimada http://lovetodaybyluvbear.typepad.jp/love_today/

Puzzling.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 14:23:00 +0000

Thanks so much for the emails, texts and Facebook comments/love re: my joining Gossamer Blue...love the encouragement I've received, so please know that it means an awful lot. I'm also happy that several of you have said you made the decision to jump right in and subscribe with them!! I just received my February kits in the mail yesterday, and uh...WOW. These kits are PACKED with awesome supplies that have me yearning to dig right in!!

Add to that the exclusive papers each month + FREE digital cut files and printables and you can't go wrong :)

I wanted to share a layout I did for the GB blog this month...I find that in all the time I've worked with kits, when I lay all of the supplies out, certain ones seem to jump out at me. In the January GB kit, it was this sheet of paper:

Can't explain why, but it grabbed my attention. So I thought it would be fun to make a layout using my kit supplies that focused on those colors. I sifted through my kits and just grabbed things by color. Then I got down to business, lol. Here is what I came up with...

That would be my sweet grandpa in the photo...he and I build puzzles together every Sunday when I visit, so I used a play on that for my title. He has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t always remember details…but he can whip puzzles together in no time flat!

So happy that I thought to snap a pic of him in action, as this is a big part of our weekly routine.

I layered a few papers together and stamped with gold metallic embossing powder on the text paper. The days of the week die-cuts were made using the FREE cut file, and I randomly scattered them around the page before sewing them down with some gold thread.

I couldn’t resist using the ‘love you to the moon & back’ rub-on directly on the photo, as well as the roller stamp from the January Bits&Pieces Add-On…if you don’t have any of the Brilliance metallic inks, GET SOME!!

You can stamp directly onto your photos with them and they dry super fast. (The exception to this is Selphy paper…for some reason, it doesn’t dry on that.) I placed the Sunday die-cut at the corner of the photo, since that’s the day we always visit…and added a few chipboard elements to the cluster.

I would love to see your projects if this color combo inspires you…please post them in the Gossamer Blue member gallery and then link it in the comments on this blog post: Gossamer Blue blog!!

Some fun (& exciting!) news + some craftiness :)

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 16:02:00 +0000

I've been sitting on this news for a little while...excited to finally share it with my readers.

I've joined the Design Team over at Gossamer Blue, and I couldn't be happier!!
Lori (the owner) is a gem. I've 'known' her for several years, and she is the real deal...kind, generous and caring. Opting to join her Life Pages team was a no-brainer, and I had a blast creating with her kits this month. Things literally fell together...love when that happens.

This first layout was made using only the Life Pages kit. Plenty of exclusive 3x4 & 4x6 cards, loads of embellishments and a fun stamp set. Add to that, FREE cut files AND PRINTABLES are included with both the main Life Pages and 'traditional' scrapbooking kits.

Love the wood veneer pieces designed just for this kit...and did I mention that the cut files are FREE?!
I sized the 'happy' box to fit one of the 4x6 cards ;)

My second layout uses a mix of the Life Pages add-on kits + scrapbook kits. The add-ons are all sold out (wow!), but the main kits are not to be missed...look at everything you get HERE!

Loads of brand new Simple Stories + October Afternoon in this months offerings :)

I really can't find the words to convey how happy I am about joining the GB Crew...they are a lovely, talented group of ladies with a wide range of styles, so please make sure to check their work out HERE:
Life Pages January Gallery
Scrapbook January Gallery

Also make sure to check out their subscription options...there is no minimum time commitment, free digital elements each month (different files for Scrapbook & Life Pages kits...no duplicates!), early access 24-hours prior to non-subscribers for kits/add-ons/classes...the details are all HERE:
Gossamer Blue FAQ

There is also a message board, and we would love to see new faces there, so please don't be shy!!
Thanks for letting me share my news...if you have any questions about their kits, please don't hesitate to ask and I will be happy to answer!!
Have a great week!
:)

PinkFresh Studio: a fun giveaway + a discount code!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 01:43:00 +0000

***ETA: WINNER!!***
Here is the winner for the $25 goodie bag from PinkFresh Studio:

Viji SiddharthDecember 31, 2013 3:22 AM

I liked both! Thankyou for the opportunity:)

Congrats, Viji!

Please shoot me your name and address at brains32192@aol.com, so that I can get it to Kinnari ;)

Hey everyone :)
Hoping you all had a great holiday...ours was pretty quiet, but in a good way.
I wanted to take a minute to share a fun layout + a giveaway + a discount code with you. Kinnari, the owner of PinkFresh Studio, reached out to me and I'm excited to pass along her generosity!!

She has a lovely line of washi tapes, enamel stickers and even pressed journaling cards...but it was the brand new painted wood veneer shapes that caught my eye right away :)

I paired a few of the triangle veneer shapes together to make diamonds, and scattered them around my page. LOVE the gold striped washi tapes she has as well, so had to add a bit of those as well as a piece of one of the enamel Insta-frames.

So here's the deal.
She is kind enough to offer a 20% discount if you use the code:
Nicole20
...which is good through 11:59PM CST on 1/5/2014.

But she also is offering a FREE goodie bag filled with random supplies from her shop ($25 value!) for one of my readers!!!

***To be eligible to win the $25 goodie bag, all you have to do is leave a comment here...please feel free to check these out when you're done:

PinkFresh Studio on Facebook

Nicole Harper Papercrafting on Facebook

Easy peasy :)
I will choose a winner on 12/31/2013...what better way to ring in 2014 than with a bag full of crafty supplies?!
***EDITED: I apologize, I forgot to mention to leave a comment here on my blog so that I can reach the winner!! I'm sorry for any inconvenience, lol...please forgive me ;)
I've extended the deadline as well to make up for my error...I will choose a winner on 1/2/2014 :)

Have a great week :)

Using scraps + your Silhouette for a BIG impact!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 12:00:00 +0000

***Hello October Afternoon fans...if you have been waiting for the Eggnog, Apple Cider (used on this layout) or Milk Money collections from OA, they are now available at 2peasinabucket.com...go check them out, because you will FLIP at all of the cool elements to these lines!! Stamps, chipboard alphabets, die cuts and fun new photo sleeves to fit into your 6x8 albums...INCLUDING 2x2"!!!

I wanted to share a simple way to use up those scraps you can't near to part with. I freely admit to being unable to discard even a 2x2 piece of OA paper that I love. This becomes problematic when you love so many patterns they produce, lol...so I decided to use them up on this layout! Here is my completed layout, using the Apple Cider line from Daily Flash:

It only looks like it took a lot of time to die cut all of those leaves...let me show you a quick way to cut them all at once with your Silhouette Cameo machine ;)
I chose several different leaf patterns, and sized them all randomly. Then I dug through my stash and found scraps of the Apple Cider papers that would fit the leaves I had sized in my Silhouette software. I made sure that the 'grid' feature was on in the software, so that I knew where to place the scraps of paper on my cutting mat. Here is what it looked like after placing the scraps on the mat:

I use tiny bits of washi to make sure the papers stay stuck down...need to replace my mat ;)
After running it through my Silhouette, this is what I had:

From there, I kind of played with the arrangement of the leaves down the center of my layout until I was happy with how they looked:

I grabbed a few different pieces from the Snap Caps and Flash Blurbs, as well as a Tin Pin. I used some gold metallic embossing powder with the Mighty Acorn stamp from the Rake, Pile Jump! stamp set...love how the gold looks with this collection!

I also cut a few smaller leaves from plain vellum to layer on top of the patterned paper leaves. Then I stitched all of the leaves down the center and folded the edges up a bit...love how they turned out!!
Had I tried to cut each of these leaves individually, it would have taken WAY too long and I probably would have given up lol...give this technique a try next time you want to make an impact with lots of die cut shapes!!

***don't forget to check out the new October Afternoon lines just in at 2peas...they won't last long!!

Farewell, Studio Calico.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 02:57:00 +0000

The post I didn't think I'd write...until a few weeks ago.

It still feels a bit surreal to type it all out...but I feel 100% certain I made the right choice, and that feels even better. It's been 6 years since I joined Studio Calico, and this month I made the decision to step away from my online 'home'. I will ALWAYS remember the early days like this one, circa 2009:

Back when we wore logo tees to CHA to help spread the word that SC was up and coming. We would go to manufacturers booths to give input for upcoming kits and they would be like: 'what is a kit club'? And we attended every chat and got to know so many of the members, because that was a huge part of what always set SC apart from other companies. And we watched this small company from Kentucky take the crafty world by storm, largely in part because of our efforts. And we were such a tight knit group that when we actually met in person, it wasn't at all awkward...and I still cherish friendships that developed simply because we all shared a love of pretty paper + a site that we believed in and were proud to be a part of.

I chose not to return to the Creative Team for the new term. There are several reasons, but in the end, I feel that I have definitely made the right choice for myself. That doesn't necessarily make the choice to leave easier...because SC is kind of where i 'grew up' in this industry. It has been my home for 6 years, and I will miss being a part of the action! But in the end, what's best for some isn't necessarily best for me...and while I thought this would be a difficult decision, there was zero hesitation that I might be making the wrong choice given the business end of things changing. That isn't to say that it doesn't feel odd to know that this is my last gallery there...because that wouldn't be truthful. But there is also a sense of excitement for things to come that I haven't felt in awhile.

And that is a pretty damn good feeling.

So stay tuned.
I'm still traveling like a crazy lady next year to teach, plus have several other opportunities I'm stoked about.
And I can't wait to share them with you :)
Thank you, Studio Calico.
It's been quite a ride.
xo

Shop. {Silent Night from October Afternoon}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 14:44:00 +0000

It's been awhile since I've loved a Christmas line so much.
The softer tones paired with perfectly scaled prints in the Silent Night collection from October Afternoon have me eager to take LOTS of Christmas pics this season...as well as use some from last year.
I was surprised to fall for the gold tone in the line especially...it isn't too flashy, and is vintage without being drab.
Plus it was the perfect reason to use some other gold elements ;)

Gold vellum word bubbles + vintage sequins from my stash + gold heat embossed gift shapes along the bottom all paired perfectly with the gold tones in Silent Night. Plus they added just a wee bit of sparkle ;)

Make sure you check out the Silent Night collection HERE...I especially love the collection kit that comes with 2 of each patterned paper + 4 sheets of stickers (including a classic alphabet!)

Never Too Old for Santa (Oct. Afternoon)

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:45:00 +0000

It was my turn again on the October Afternoon blog with Roree...she had challenged me to make my own background for a layout, so I dove right into my collection of embellishments from the new Silent Night collection :)

I forced myself to start with just plain cardstock, and noticed the teal strips laying on my desk from something else I had been working on...so I decided to use those as little frames or windows. I used a few foam dots on the center strip and just dressed each frame with bits and pieces from Silent Night.

Love how this turned out...but it may have something to do with that sweet photo of my GPa :)

Make sure you check out the entire Silent Night collection...too many good elements to pass up!!

October Afternoon: Silent Night :)

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 17:59:00 +0000

When I opened my recent box from October Afternoon,I knew exactly which element from the Silent Night collection that I was dying to see...the chalkboard washi tape. I knew it would be cool, but had NO idea that there were EIGHT awesome phrases on that one roll!!

Then I decided to just start playing with all of the fun patterned papers. I am a sucker for pretty paper, and couldn't choose just one or two to focus on...so I cut several snowflakes with my Silhouette (partially to show off a bunch of patterns, but mostly to get over the fear of cutting into that pretty paper, lol) and used them on this page about Christmas last year with my sweet GPa.

Sigh...two of my favorite people in the whole world right here.

I added some gold spray mist and sequins here and there...added just the right amount of sparkle :)
Make sure you check out the entire Silent Night Collection, as there are too many parts of it to choose a favorite!!

Studio Calico October...Project Life.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 21:53:00 +0000

Life has been crazy lately...in a good way. Wanted to share these Project Life layouts from my Studio Calico November Gallery, using the Cuppa PL kit + add-ons.

I freely admit that these photos are from July...I have never stressed about the concept of being 'caught up'. Those words are not in my vocabulary, lol ;) I have mad love for the Design J page protectors, seen in the layout below. They are perfect for adding in to a week where you had a lot going on, but also for highlighting a specific event...in this case, my daughter making the high school soccer team. The black alphabet on the photo is from the Scrapbook Kit, which I had to have this month. I don't often pick the Scrapbook Kit up, but it had too many parts I had to have, that black alpha included. ;)

This next one is all about one weekend in July. I teach for CK Conventions, and this layout is about the Lancaster event...Allie always comes with me to this show and I love that we get to have a girls weekend. It feels less like 'work' when she's with me...and the crew at these shows are like long lost family :) Used bits of the Earl Grey and Chamomile kits with this one.

This last one is using JUST the Cuppa main PL kit...I colored in the 'this is my today' watercolor card with some Gold Mister Huey and stamped directly onto my photos with the Brilliance Galaxy Gold ink.

Today is also 'Last Call'...Thataway and Storytime products are reduced by 25-50% off, and will ship with your next kit so check them out here!!